Saluki Pride: Stacye Saunders is a ‘selfless mentor and advocate’ for students

    Christi Mathis
    • December 9, 2021

    As double alumna of SIU, Stacye Saunders has an affinity for the university and the community. More than that, she is “well-versed in course and curriculum development, supplemental instruction and student outreach and engagement” and works “diligently to serve underrepresented students across campus,” according to Victoria Taylor, Trio Student Support Services assistant director.

    Saunders is a “selfless mentor and advocate for our beloved SIU students” as she assists them in overcoming “any academic, social or career obstacle that potentially separates them from their goals.”

    Get to know STACYE SAUNDERS

    Name: Stacye Saunders

    Department/title: TRIO Student Support Services / academic support specialist

    Years at SIU Carbondale: 10 years

    Give us the elevator pitch for your job.

    I serve an amazing group of students by providing a conglomerate of support services to help them accomplish their academic goals while at SIU and be prepared for the next step after graduation. Those services include, but are not limited to: pre-academic advising, personal/academic/social/career counseling, cultural and social activities, workshops, financial aid application assistance and so much more!

    What is your favorite part of your job? 

    Seeing students persevere and graduate.

    Why did you choose SIU?  I came to SIU because the top 10 students at my high school made a pact to attend the same college. They decided on SIU after a weekend visit that I was unable to attend, so I came to SIU without ever visiting the campus. I earned a bachelor’s degree in English, a master’s degree in educational psychology, and I am currently pursuing my doctorate in educational administration and higher education. I am grateful SIU is a big, beautiful campus and I have absolutely no regrets.

    Winter, Summer, Spring or Fall … which one and why: I love fall. I was born in the fall and to me it is the most beautiful season. The leaves are colorful, the weather is cold but fresh and enlivening, and you can wear warm and fuzzy socks every day if you wish.

    When I was growing up, my favorite toy or item was?

    My favorite toy was the Cornsilk Cabbage Patch doll. I loved combing my doll’s hair. I received a Cabbage Patch doll every year for Christmas as a child.

    Know a colleague to feature in Saluki Pride? Simply fill out this form.

    Post written by:
    Previous Article
    Next Article
    You May Also Like

    Saluki Pride: Lorelei Ritchie enjoys teaching the next generation of lawyers

      Coming into a new job in a different state in the middle of a pandemic isn’t easy, but it hasn’t stopped Lorelei Ritchie from meeting those challenges. Previously a judge with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Ritchie has also taught at law schools around the country, including UCLA School of Law, Florida State University College of Law and Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. Since joining the law school faculty at SIU in 2020, she has taught First-Year Contracts, and upper level Intellectual Property courses, published an article in the “American University Law Review,” and taken on the role as faculty adviser for students in the law school’s intellectual property specialization.

      Saluki Pride: Kristy White pays attention to the little details to assist law school

        Whether planning events, helping to mold future lawyers or identifying issues and seeing they are addressed before they become problematic, Kristy White makes sure the SIU School of Law puts “their best foot forward” whether it is something for faculty, students or guests. Judi Ray, the law school’s assistant dean for administration, notes law school students often go to White for assistance because of her institutional knowledge about the law school. “We know that she will take care of making sure everything is completed in a timely manner but that she will take the time to ask for clarification if she needs it,” Ray said.